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From: www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/
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Health and Nutrition > Medicines > A

Alfuzosin hydrochloride




How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient alfuzosin hydrochloride, which belongs to a class of medicines called alpha-blockers. It works by blocking alpha receptors that are found in the muscle in the prostate gland. The prostate gland, which is found only in men, lies at the top of the tube connecting the bladder to the outside (urethra). The prostate gland often enlarges with advancing age (benign prostatic hyperplasia), pressing on the urethra and obstructing the flow of urine from the bladder. This can cause various urinary symptoms such as poor flow of urine. Alfuzosin blocks alpha receptors in the muscle of the prostate gland, which causes the muscle in the prostate to relax. This allows urine to flow freely past the prostate and relieves the urinary symptoms.

What is it used for?

  • Enlarged prostate gland
  • Warning!

  • The first dose of this medicine may cause dizziness, light-headedness or fainting. For this reason you should take the first dose, and preferably each dose, just before retiring to bed at night. Take care when moving from lying down to sitting or standing, particularly if you wake up in the night, until you know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy or light-headed at any time during treatment, sit or lie down until the symptoms pass.
  • Blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment with this medicine.
  • This medicine may cause fatigue and dizziness. If affected, caution is required when driving or operating machinery due to the possible reduction in physical and/or mental ability.
  • Use with caution in

  • Allergy to alpha-blockers
  • Angina pectoris
  • Decreased blood supply to the heart (coronary insufficiency)
  • Decreased kidney function
  • Decreased liver function
  • Elderly people
  • Individuals taking blood pressure lowering medication
  • Not to be used in

  • History of drops in blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing, which causes dizziness (postural hypotension)
  • People taking other alpha-blockers
  • Severely decreased liver function
  • This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

    Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

  • This medicine is for use by men only. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Label warnings

  • This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.


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